» Block access to any small hiding places such as under beds or behind cabinets

Top Tips for Foster Caregivers (continued)

Your cat or kitten will come with a collar on. Collars placed on kittens must be checked regularly to ensure that they are snug but not too tight (fit one finger between the collar and the kitten’s neck), particularly as the kitten continues to grow.

The general rule is to have 1 food bowl, 1 water bowl and 1 litter box for every 2 kittens.

Young kittens may try to suckle on each other. If this becomes problematic the kittens must be separated to prevent larger medical concerns

Remember to thoroughly wash your hands after being in contact with your foster animal, especially between handling resident animals and foster animals.

Track your foster pet’s progress on the health monitoring sheet found later in this booklet.

Appetite and energy are the two most important things to keep watch on. A lack of interest in food or a drop in energy can indicate a serious medical issue, even if no other symptoms are present.

Daily weight gain is crucial for growing kittens. Weigh kittens at the same time daily to ensure adequate weight gain. Kittens should gain about ½ ounce per day or 4 ounces per week.

If your cat seems sick, check immediately for dehydration by pulling the skin up just a little lower than the back of the neck. It should be taut and snap back down. If it stands up or takes some time to go back down, the cat may be dehydrated. Please contact the medical hotline for further instructions.

Do not take your foster animal to your own veterinarian. If the animal requires any veterinary care, contact our medical hotline. We are unable to reimburse volunteers for veterinary care that is not coordinated through our medical hotline or volunteer director.

Animal Health Monitoring Sheet

Animal NameFoster Parent Name

Please indicate with a “+” or “yes”, or a “–” or “no” in the appropriate columns. Thank you.